Autumn Hiking in Italy's Dolomites

This year, however, walking in the Dolomites takes on even greater resonance, as the mountains also offer the chance to witness traces of the First World War that is being commemorated in 2014.

Many of the via ferrata (iron paths) that pass through the Dolomites were created by the army to assist them with moving safely through the mountains during the war and, as a result, relics and artefacts of the early 20th century conflict can be found beside trails. For experienced hikers, the Galleria del Piccolo Lagazuoi offers the chance to sample the enormous hardship and dedication of all those who fought. The Galleria was created by Italian soldiers who tunnelled through the Piccolo Lagazuoi to attack the Austrian soldiers occupying the summit: its dark and damp environment is broken now and again by a few spectacular windows cut out of the rock, before it opens out below at Cengia Martini and military remains. Steep and equipped with cables, a torch is indispensable.

Adler Dolomiti

None of these paths lies far from the Adler Dolomiti (www.adler-dolomiti.com/en/), which has created a dedicated Autumn Sunshine Walking package that can be booked for between three and seven nights.

Included in the package, which is valid from 21 September to 5 October, is half-board accommodation as well as the following:

• 2 daily guided hikes - a main hike and a leisurely hike - with hotel guides Thaddäus and Pauli
• lift tickets for the guided walks
• packed lunch
• walkers’ gift
• map
• backpacks, telescopic poles and maps on loan free of charge
• a hearty snack on returning to the hotel after the walks
• photo service by e-mail or CD
• GPS debriefing of the tour
• 1 wine tasting in the hotel’s own wine cellar
• complimentary use of all the hotel’s facilities.

Rates for the 3-day package start from Euros 453 (approx £365) per person sharing a double room up to from Euros 969 (approx £785) per person sharing a double room for the 7-day package.
Facilities at the Adler Dolomiti include 9000 square metres of private parkland and the largest wellness facility in the Dolomites, with three distinct zones: Dolasilla for beauty & vitality, Aguana where the pools, including thermals, are located, and AdlerFit for sport & fitness. All of the Adler resorts display a genuine generosity of spirit, with a full programme of leisure activities (such as yoga, meditation and two guided walks daily) included in the room price.

The Dolomites are a registered UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognised for their outstanding natural beauty and culture. As well as the stunning natural environment, there are plenty of beautiful towns, villages and historic sites to explore. Places in which, as the Adler Resorts like to say, you can “let your soul fly”.

For more information and to book, please visit https://www.adler-resorts.com/en/.

Getting there

Flight to either Innsbruck (in winter) and Verona (year-round), then to Ortisei by private transfer or airport coach